Strong Oman presence at ITB Berlin
Thu, 05 Mar 2026
Oman has reinforced its position as one of the Middle East’s most compelling tourism destinations with a strong and strategic presence at ITB Berlin 2026, leveraging the world’s largest travel trade platform to deepen partnerships, showcase its diverse tourism offerings and consolidate Germany’s place as a key European source market.
Ajman Tourism, Vtours sign agreement to promote emirate in Germany
Thu, 05 Mar 2026
Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media signed a strategic agreement with Germany’s Vtours to boost Ajman’s promotion in Germany, expand international partnerships, support sustainable tourism growth, and strengthen the emirate’s competitiveness in European markets.
17,500 stranded passengers leave UAE, flights to increase
Wed, 04 Mar 2026
The UAE said yesterday that 17,498 passengers have been transported on 60 flights operated by national carriers since March 1 as part of its emergency flights plan.
Bahrain continues to strengthen cultural, Arab tourism ties: Tourism Minister
Wed, 25 Feb 2026
Bahrain’s Tourism Minister, Fatima Al Sairafi, highlighted efforts to boost Arab tourism, using it to promote cultural exchange, support creative industries, showcase cultural identity, and contribute to sustainable development on Arab Tourism Day.
UAE solidifies global leadership in aviation, tourism in 2025
Sun, 15 Feb 2026
In 2025, the UAE aviation sector hit record milestones, with DXB handling 95.2 million passengers, Abu Dhabi Airports over 33 million, and Sharjah 19.48 million. Ras Al Khaimah surpassed one million passengers. Expanded connectivity, cargo growth, and technological upgrades reinforced the UAE’s global aviation and logistics leadership.
GCC tourism growth boosts Asian presence at ATM 2026
Wed, 11 Feb 2026
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 4-7 May, is projecting a significant increase in exhibitors from Asia-Pacific countries, underpinned by a strong 13.95% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in participation from Asian exhibitors over the 2024–2026 period.
Saudi TDF, Palladium Hotel Group sign tourism development pact
Wed, 11 Feb 2026
Saudi Tourism Development Fund (TDF) signed a MoU with Palladium Hotel Group to explore development opportunities across several regions of Saudi Arabia. The agreement focuses on strengthening cooperation, assessing potential projects, conducting feasibility studies, identifying suitable investment structures, and reviewing technical and operational frameworks.
Vietnam tourism hits record with 2.5m visitors in January 2026
Tue, 10 Feb 2026
Vietnam’s tourism sector recorded a monthly high for international arrivals in January, welcoming nearly 2.5 million visitors, official data showed, signalling strong momentum at the start of 2026. International arrivals rose 21.4% month on month and 18.5% year on year. Asian visitors accounted for more than 73% of arrivals, or about 1.8 million.
Dubai sets third consecutive tourism record with 19.59m visitors in 2025
Tue, 10 Feb 2026
Strategic partnerships, global marketing campaigns and major events contributed to Dubai welcoming 19.59 million international overnight visitors in 2025, marking a 5% increase compared to 18.72 million arrivals in 2024, according to data published by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and a third successive year of record-setting figures.
Saudi tourism aims to double GDP contribution to $160 billion
Mon, 09 Feb 2026
Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said the sector aims to double its contribution to the kingdom's GDP from SAR300 billion ($80 billion) to SAR600 billion ($160 billion), while continuing to create jobs as the private sector recruits national talent.
UAE Economy & Tourism Ministry honours 11 entities for supporting Emirati SMEs
Mon, 09 Feb 2026
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism honoured 11 federal entities and national companies at the second National Forum for SMEs – Government Procurement for supporting Emirati SMEs and facilitating their access to government contracts and tenders in 2025.
Aroya Cruises debuts Arabian Gulf Voyages for 2026
Sun, 08 Feb 2026
Aroya Cruises, a subsidiary of PIF-owned Cruise Saudi, has officially launched its inaugural season in the Arabian Gulf. Running from February 21 to May 8, the season marks a milestone in regional tourism by blending authentic Saudi hospitality with global maritime standards.
Top firms in deal to invest in KAEC tourism, lifestyle projects
Wed, 04 Feb 2026
K Hovnanian ME Investments (KHME), a subsidiary of Hovnanian Enterprises, and the majority shareholder of Al Tahaluf Real Estate Company, CJSC, has signed an MoU with Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund (TDF) and Emaar, The Economic City (EEC) to enable high-quality tourism investment and lifestyle-focused residential opportunities in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).
WTM Spotlight Riyadh to explore hotel growth, influence of Saudi travellers
Mon, 02 Feb 2026
The inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh, which will take place from September 8 to 10 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Center (RFECC), will focus on the large-scale hotel development, and the increasing influence of Saudi travellers at home and abroad.
Türkiye’s tourism revenues reach $65bn in 2025
Mon, 02 Feb 2026
Türkiye welcomed 64 million visitors in 2025 and recorded tourism revenues totalling $65.231 billion for the previous year, Mehmet Ersoy, Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, revealed at a press conference held in İstanbul. He said Türkiye is aiming for $68 billion in 2026.
Syria's foreign and Arab tourist numbers jump 80%
Thu, 29 Jan 2026
Syria’s tourism sector recorded a strong recovery in 2025, with Arab and foreign arrivals rising sharply as improved security conditions and policy measures helped revive travel flows, the Syrian Ministry of Tourism said.
Heritage, tourism sectors in Oman achieve positive growth indicators
Wed, 28 Jan 2026
Oman’s tourism sector is rapidly growing, boosting GDP from 1.6% in 2020 to 2.7% in 2024. Minister Sayyid Ibrahim Al Busaidi highlighted the sector’s role in economic diversification, supported by policies and RO 2.6 billion ($6.7 billion) in investments under the Tenth Five-Year Plan.
PATA, APOLA join forces on Asia Pacific tourism
Tue, 27 Jan 2026
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Asia-Pacific Outdoor Lodging Association (APOLA) have signed an MoU formalising their partnership. As a not-for-profit, APOLA aims to drive sustainable growth, innovation, and excellence across the Asia Pacific outdoor lodging, or “glamping,” sector.
UAE Minister engages tourism counterparts from 4 nations
Mon, 26 Jan 2026
Abdullah Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, held bilateral meetings with tourism officials from Brazil, Portugal, Azerbaijan, and Argentina to strengthen cooperation, promote sustainable tourism, exchange expertise, and advance partnerships toward more developed and prosperous levels in the global tourism sector.
Ajman’s modern, natural, heritage attractions boost tourism
Mon, 26 Jan 2026
Ajman has strengthened its tourism offering through innovative projects and services that cater to visitors seeking leisure, culture and relaxation. The emirate presents a diverse tourism panorama that weaves together modern destinations, protected natural reserves and heritage landmarks, delivering a fully integrated travel experience.
Bahrain, Cyprus sign MoU to strengthen cooperation in tourism
Mon, 26 Jan 2026
During President Nikos Christodoulides’ visit to Bahrain, Cyprus and Bahrain signed a tourism MoU. The agreement strengthens economic ties through tourist exchange, joint events, business visibility, public-private partnerships, shared expertise, market research, and coordinated participation in global tourism forums.